Pendragons Banner (The Pendragons Banner Trilogy Book 2)

Pendragon's Banner

---

Jun 30, Judywork added it. I have now finished reading all three books and can honestly say that I am just as impressed with the ending as I was with the beginning of it!

In the series, Helen presents her version of many of the different stories connected with the legend. The only parts she omitted in her version were Lancelot and Merlin. She omitted these characters for a good reason! Helen chose to focus on the fragments of history and legend that made a more historical connection to events during that time period. Rather than present the mythology and symbolism of Merlin and magic or Lancelot and knights on white horses, she instead had us follow Arthur on a journey to Gaul, to parts of ancient France where the Romans were fighting a losing battle against the Franks at the time.

There in a place called Avignon, he faced betrayal and failure, along with inner demons to haunt him and cause him to not want to return to his home in Britain. While Helen insists that she is no historian, I was thoroughly impressed with her attention to historical details and those tiny fragments of documented evidence. As the series went on, I found myself immersed in those small details and spent considerable time switching from the story google those little references.

Now, for some that might not be considered a plus to the story telling, but for me, it was an awesome adventure into both the story and the actual historical theories about that time period! When I chose her series, it was for the references to actual history and she did not let me down. Her way of weaving much of that history together made a great deal of sense to me.

I especially like the turn she took in weaving Cerdic the Saxon into the story. That was the part I was most interested in from the beginning anyway! Jul 26, Amanda rated it really liked it Shelves: For a woman who was quick to anger, why was she so passive about Arthur and the many women he bedded? Only once does she let Arthur know that she knows what he was doing in the middle of the night when he left their bed to go and lay in another. One would think, what with Gwen being the Queen and all, that she would have a just as intricate spy network as her husband.

It is apparent that the other women in the story, Morgeuse and Winifred, both maintain their own networks seeing as how both know exactly what is going on behind Arthur's closed doors. As far as i could tell, the book made no mention of Gwen ever hearing about Arthur's involvement with the teen who plunged to her death and thus far, she knows nothing of Arthur bedding the teenage Lady of the Lake.

Yet Morgeuse and Winifred knew of both. I hate to think that a part of Gwen's character falls under 'ignorance is bliss' because it seems far too naive for a woman of Gwen's age and struggles. All of that aside, I cried when Amr died. My mothering mind was already screaming at Arthur to pay more attention to all of the boys and I hated to see my fears come to the page. Subsequently, I found myself steeling against the loss of the other boys throughout the story, much like that of Gwen and Arthur.

They both adopt a 'what's done is done' mentality, and i felt that so too does the reader. This is not to say that I was 'okay' with Gwen allowing her eldest boy to ride out to battle. I honestly thought that Arthur would be angry with Gwen, berate her for allowing the boy outside of the gates and to ride to war, especially since the Pendragon future was resting on such young shoulders.

However, this was not the case and I was glad that Arthur maintained his temper for once and healed through the loss alongside his wife. Oct 12, Kristi Books and Needlepoint rated it it was amazing. Once again, Helen Hollick gives us a wonderful addition to King Arthur's story. Arthur started in The Kingmaking as a teenager - not even knowing that he was the heir to the throne. In Pendragon's Banner, he is not only King, but husband and father - and battling to do justice to all those roles. Arthur has married Gwenhwyfar and with their children they have traveled, eventually settling at Caer Cadan.

The traveling and Arthur's "wandering" have taken a toll on his and Gwenhwyfar's marriage. Add to the fact that Gwenhwyfar was also very intelligent and was somewhat a warrior herself - coming from a long line of warriors - there was bound to be conflict between the two. Even though they were estranged, they manage to come back together.

Arthur is also battling his first wife, Winifred, and Morgause who has cursed his children if Arthur should ever come after her. This book covers about 6 years but it does not lack for political struggles, battles, infidelity, romance.

Join Kobo & start eReading today

This is historical fiction without all the fantasy - a King Arthur we can believe might really have lived. I enjoyed this second installment of Pendragon's Banner as much as I did the first - but I found it hard to try to sum up. Most of this information is new to me, as I was never a big fan of the King Arthur stories. I am, however, a big fan of Helen Hollick's books and am looking forward to the re-release of the third book in this series next year.

Oct 29, Gaby rated it really liked it Shelves: I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Hollick's retelling of this early part of King Arthur's life. Unlike the medieval Arthur who seemed focused on the crusades and the older King who would hold festivals and jousts, the Arthur that we meet in Pendragon's Banner is a young king occupied with winning battles - much of the book is devoted to wresting control of his territory and keeping the land from invaders. Hollick's Arthur is deep into the work of creating his kingdom. He does not yet have his own castl I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Hollick's retelling of this early part of King Arthur's life.

He does not yet have his own castle, his Camelot and his round table is just a glimmer of a thought. He must still go through a great deal before establishing himself as the King Arthur of legend, but we can see from the man that he is in Pendragon's Banner the king that he will become. It is easy to care for Arthur, his loyal and skilled Artoriani and his loyal wife Gwenhywyfar. When they face the cunning and treachery of Arthur's longtime enemy Morgause, it make for a gripping tale and a satisfying read.

Hollick weaves in bits of the Arthurian legend, details of the man that hint at his life and legend as king. Plus, Hollick's fight scenes are gripping and well done - and as enjoyable as those found in a good Bernard Cornwell tale. Sourcebooks Landmark September , pages. Review copy provided by the publisher.

Aug 19, Elaine Cougler rated it it was amazing. Following after Hollick's The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner does not disappoint; in fact, it surges gloriously ahead like the magnificent stallions of Arthur's Artoriani. In the first book of this trilogy Arthur won his Gwenhwyfar and his crown as King, but both came at a cost in this second volume.

Paperback Editions

Hollick's sense of story and her daunting historical knowledge make for much drama and suspense. She has taken liberties with the characters of Arthur and his queen but in doing so has created real, Following after Hollick's The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner does not disappoint; in fact, it surges gloriously ahead like the magnificent stallions of Arthur's Artoriani.

She has taken liberties with the characters of Arthur and his queen but in doing so has created real, believable people, a couple the reader really believes to be factual. And, flawed though they are, I fell under their spell. I wept for both when their sons died, when they battled each other--two strong characters--for understanding, and I loved their courage, especially Gwenhwyfar's as she led thirty Artoriani against the she-wolf, Morgause. Now I look to read Shadow of the King, the third in this amazing trilogy. I actually liked this volume better than the trilogy opener.

I appreciated the realism of this novel. I absolutely believed the relationship between Arthur and Gwen. I had my heart pounding through battles and loved the fact that it was sometimes luck that saved the day. I loved a flawed hero and the cunning of the women. Nobody was too good to be true. But lastly I had my heart broken by deaths that, each time, was unexpected and added so much dimension to the story.

This author excels at many I actually liked this volume better than the trilogy opener. This author excels at many things but I believe it is the human elemnt that she has mastered. This trilogy may test your ideas of King Arthur but it is so worth the experiance. Now comes my dilemma I really should wait Aug 07, Cindy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I absolutely loved this book, just as I did the first in the trilogy!

This book had several more battles for the title of Supreme King, but Author triumphs in all. By the end of the book, his uncle Ambrosius Merlin has finally decided to become Author's ally. Even his enemy Amlawdd decides to join with Arthur in the fight against Heuill after Gwenhwyfar persuades him through tickery. Two former women in Arthur's life, Winifred his former wife and Morgause his father's mistress are constant I absolutely loved this book, just as I did the first in the trilogy! Two former women in Arthur's life, Winifred his former wife and Morgause his father's mistress are constantly trying to undermine Arthur in order to help obtain his throne.

It was so sad to see that all three of Arthur and Gwenhyfar's sons were dead by the end of this book. Even though the deaths were accidental, Morgause's curse to see his children dead did, in fact, become reality. I can't wait to read the third and final book!

Helen Hollick's version of Arthur and Gwynhwyfar is by far the most realistic I've ever read. Beautifully written and intense, Helen takes the reader into Dark Age Britain where Arthur must fight the factions trying to depose him. Sometimes his faults get the better of him, but he is maturing and learning to channel his powerful temper into a useful tool to keep his throne. The narrative and dialogue have a "Pendragon's Banner" will definitely go on my list of all-time favorite Arthurian novels. The narrative and dialogue have a smooth pitch that are not stilted at all.

The only criticism I have is that occasionally a term that's a little too modern sounding slips in. Also, in this edition by Sourcebooks, some of the dates in the chapter headings were out of sync and some additional copyediting would have been good. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction and especially Arthurian stories. The second book in the trilogy picks up Arthur's story a few years from the first one and tells of his bid to become King.

There's lots of set backs along the way and lots of enemies trying to make sure that he doesn't succeed, but with his well trained cavalry, he can usually dominate them all. Like the first book, Hollick provides a plausible, real-life story that could have inspired so many of our myths and legends.

Arthur, here, is fallible. He makes mistakes, he sleeps with a lot of women, h The second book in the trilogy picks up Arthur's story a few years from the first one and tells of his bid to become King. He makes mistakes, he sleeps with a lot of women, he makes trouble for himself and for his friends, family and allies. There are lots of sad moments too. Usually, the middle book of a trilogy is the weaker volume, but not here.

This was as fast-paced, action packed and brilliantly written as the first. Well worth the reading. Second in a trilogy telling the King Arthur story without magical or supernatural elements. After the political and military struggles of The Kingmaking, Arthur is now Pendragon and High King of Britain, and married to his beloved wife, the feisty Gwenhwyfar. But his first wife Winifred wants her son Cerdic named heir, his uncle Ambrosius yearns for a return to the Roman Empire, numerous chieftains fancy themselves as High King, and far in the north the evil queen Morgause plots his downfall.

Ar Second in a trilogy telling the King Arthur story without magical or supernatural elements. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar face political storm and personal tragedy that threaten to destroy their marriage. Dec 05, Leila rated it it was amazing.

What is Kobo Super Points?

This second book follows on from "The Kingmaking" It does not disappoint! Another brilliant and down to earth novel which had me once more completely immersed in the continuing story. The characters are very realistic. Arthur, now in his early twenties, fights to hold onto his Kingship. His strength of character is tried and tested and in his personal life, the tensions between the main characters are complex.

His two enemies, his bitter ex wife Winifred and Morgause who is "Queen of the North" This second book follows on from "The Kingmaking" It does not disappoint! His two enemies, his bitter ex wife Winifred and Morgause who is "Queen of the North" are his biggest threats. Vivid and realistic writing from Helen Hollick once more. Uthr is married to Morgause's sister Igraine, but Morgause is Uthr's mistress on the side. Morgause has had many daughters by Uthr but she has always exposed them to die. Morgause despises Arthur, not realizing until Uthr has died that he is Uthr's son, but thinking he is only Uthr's bastard-born nephew.

Morgause's hatred for Arthur causes her later to attack him sexually. The result is not quite what readers might expect, but it deeply shapes Arthur's future character. Arthur later admits that his disgust over what Morgause did to him has resulted in how he mistreats women. He is not a gentle man, but rather one who takes women whenever he chooses, determined not to let them exert any feminine power over him. He impregnates a slave girl p. Arthur ends up marrying Vortigern's daughter, Winifred, as a political alliance, and by her he has a sickly daughter who dies soon after birth p.

Arthur, however, hates Winifred and is in love with Gwenhwyfar throughout the book. Eventually, Vortigern dies and his son Vortimer assumes the kingship, but Arthur is on the road to gaining it for himself. During this time, he abandons Winifred and marries Gwenhwyfar. Both women then have sons by him. Gwenhwyfar's son Llacheu is born first but in what we would call a bigamist marriage today while Winifred's son Cerdic is born a few weeks later.

Both women want to see their own sons acknowledged as Arthur's heir. Winifred threatens to complain to the Pope to make sure Cerdic is acknowledged, but Winifred is half-Saex Vortigern's wife Rowena had been the daughter of the Saex leader Hengest while Llacheu is fully British born.

Arthur is disgusted at the thought of having a partially Saex child and lets Winifred know the British people will rally around Llacheu when the time comes. That Arthur should have sons is unusual but not a new idea. Llacheu is a traditional son of Arthur in the early Welsh legends and is usually attributed to being Gwenhwyfar's son as well.

More surprising is that Cerdic is credited as Arthur's son. Hollick, in her "Author's Note," states that she is not the first to suggest Cerdic who is a historical King of the Saxons was Arthur's son, but I believe she is the first novelist to do so. Finally, years after Morgause sexually forced herself upon Arthur, she is revealed to have had a daughter named Morgaine.

Hollick does not reveal whether the daughter is Uthr or Arthur's, but it's a good bet it is Arthur's daughter considering she exposed her other daughters. While Morgaine is a girl and not likely to inherit the throne, no doubt Morgause has kept her alive to serve as a way to hurt Arthur down the road. Having not yet read the second book in the series, at this point I am pondering whether Morgaine is really a he and the future Mordred while Morgause is hiding the child's sex while biding her time. While I was a bit put off by Hollick's writing style, primarily the way she uses verbs in her sentences, I did find "The Kingmaking" to be entertaining reading, both for its depictions of Arthur's children as well as the rather brutal and rough Arthur.

I did not find Arthur likeable, but I did like Gwenhwyfar, and I am curious to see how the story will turn out. In her "Author's Note," Hollick states that because Lancelot and Merlin were the creations of later twelfth century Norman romancers, readers will not find them in her books since she wants to provide a historical portrait of what could have actually happened. While Merlin was actually established in Welsh tradition so I don't understand this reasoning other than perhaps Hollick saw no use for Merlin in a historical rather than fantasy novel , if there is to be no Lancelot, then I am curious to see how Camelot's fall will be brought about.

Will Gwenhwyfar find herself another lover, or will Morgause's plotting be sufficient to bring about Arthur's downfall? It's on to reading Book II: See all 89 reviews. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway.

Book One of the Pendragon's Banner Trilogy. Set up a giveaway.

See a Problem?

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item? Sometimes, a desperate kingdom is in need of one great woman Kindle Edition. Shadow on the Crown: Customers who viewed this item also viewed. The Price of Blood: There's a problem loading this menu right now. Learn more about Amazon Prime. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Get to Know Us. English Choose a language for shopping. Not Enabled Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: Amazon Music Stream millions of songs.

Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers. Amazon Drive Cloud storage from Amazon.

Pendragon's Banner by Helen Hollick

Alexa Actionable Analytics for the Web. AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally. Amazon Inspire Digital Educational Resources. Amazon Rapids Fun stories for kids on the go. Amazon Restaurants Food delivery from local restaurants. ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics. East Dane Designer Men's Fashion. Shopbop Designer Fashion Brands. Death of an Empire. A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury. Lady of the English. Shadow on the Crown. The Lion of Wales: The Complete Series Books Wars of the Roses: A Year of Ravens: Call of the Raven.

Reward Yourself

Freda Lightfoot writing as Marion Carr. Rise of the Tudors. I Am the Chosen King. Shadow of the King. Ripples in the Sand. When the Mermaid Sings. How to write a great review. The review must be at least 50 characters long. The title should be at least 4 characters long. Your display name should be at least 2 characters long. At Kobo, we try to ensure that published reviews do not contain rude or profane language, spoilers, or any of our reviewer's personal information.

You submitted the following rating and review. We'll publish them on our site once we've reviewed them. Item s unavailable for purchase. Please review your cart. You can remove the unavailable item s now or we'll automatically remove it at Checkout.

• INTRODUÇÃO AO DIREITO FISCAL DAS EMPRESAS (Portuguese Edition)
• Bullets and Bandages
• Bound for the Promised Land: Part II: The Sentiments of A Woman
• Charlotte Parker - Forty Niner
• San AgustÍn (Santos. Amigos de Dios) (Spanish Edition)
• Only the Brave
• Career Questions? Ask Angela - A Job Seekers Guide To Finding The Perfect Job!